First Dalit literature festival seeks to include all deprived sections under the word 'Dalit'

By A Representative
A two day first Dalit Literature Festival, with the slogan of  'A new world of literature is possible', was inaugurated at the University of Delhi's Kirori Mal College. Those present included writers Latekar Mohan Das Naimishrai, Laxman Gaikwad, Rasal Singh, Bally Singh Cheema, Suraj Batta, Prof Hansraj Suman, Balraj Singh, Mahendra Beniwal, Manju Rani and Sanjeev Danda. Among social activists, Medha Patkar attended the event.
The seminar saw participants give a new meaning to the word Dalit, which, according to them, should include scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, women, nomadic tribes, the transgender community, farmers, labourers, in fact the all the deprived sections. Dalit, it was pointed out, is the symbol of struggle and resistance.
While Mohandas Naimishrai said that Dalit literature is not the literature of luxury, but of sufferings and struggles, Laxman Gaikwad added, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is sitting in power, should allocate budget for adivasis seriously in order to move on the path of true development."
"This seminar is not a festival, it is a celebration that is visible in the atmosphere of the college. This is a learning festival, struggle, and a festival of change”, said principal of Kirori Mal College Dr Vishwa Chauhan. Dr Hansraj Suman, director, University of Delhi Academic Committee, added, “Dalit literature is very important for building a multi-ethnic society.”
During the inauguration ceremony, “Rhythm” magazine was released. A large number of students from Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia came to attend the event.